James H. “Jim” Flippo

James Herbert “Jim” Flippo, 79, of Stevensville, MI, passed away peacefully in his home on May 20, 2022.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 27, 2022, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memoriam to a cause that is important to you personally. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com

Jim was born April 9, 1943 in Newark, Arkansas, to Sybil and Rodman Flippo. He graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1961. Shortly after graduating from high school, he began his career in the trades as a painter. He began working at C. L. Wolff & Sons painting company and shortly thereafter joined the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade. After owning his own painting company, he began painting at the Cook Nuclear Plant and became more active in the union. He served as the president of the union for a period before returning to his painting roots, ultimately retiring in 2006 after 43 years in the business.

Jim enjoyed spending his retirement years relaxing and spending time with his beloved wife, Dee (Delores Ruff) of 59 years, family, and close friends. He thoroughly enjoyed quiet time and keeping in touch with his sons, grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces, and friends in person, on the phone, and even via text. Jim was always willing to offer his advice that would commonly come in the form of a joke to keep everyone’s spirits up. Jim was a caring man to everyone he encountered and never had any difficulty striking up a conversation.

Jim is survived by his wife, Delores (Ruff); son, Brad (Mary) Flippo of Philadelphia, PA; grandson, Joseph Flippo; granddaughter, Olivia Flippo; brother, Bob R. (Anita) Flippo; and sister Nancy (Mike) Henry. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bruce Flippo, and his brother, Buddy.